At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families during difficult times by assisting with funeral services and caring for the deceased.
- Company: Join a community-focused Co-op dedicated to serving southern England with compassion and integrity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days of leave, a 20% store discount, and opportunities for skill development.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive environment that values empathy and resilience.
- Qualifications: A full UK driving licence and a passion for helping others; no prior experience needed.
- Other info: Be prepared for a physically and emotionally demanding role with flexible on-call hours.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity to join our End of Life Services team as a Funeral Service Operative. The shifts will be worked Monday to Friday, with out-of-hours on an on-call rota basis.
Role Overview: In this role, you’ll deliver compassionate end-of-life care, support, and experience to the deceased and their families. Responsibilities include assisting with the smooth delivery of funerals—collection, transportation, and preparation of the deceased, driving vehicles, and acting as a conductor or bearer during funeral services. This role is physically and emotionally demanding, requiring empathy, resilience, and the ability to work under pressure.
Who We Are Looking For: An individual passionate about building relationships, helping others, and providing excellent service to the bereaved. Previous funeral industry experience is not necessary, as we will provide full training and support your career development.
Requirements:
- A full, clean UK driving license for both manual and automatic vehicles.
- For insurance purposes, you must be over 25.
What to Expect:
- Collecting the deceased and transporting them to our funeral homes, sometimes from challenging locations.
- Assisting in dressing and preparing the deceased for viewing, including placement into coffins or caskets.
- Driving our vehicles with care and ensuring they are maintained in pristine condition.
- Acting as a bearer at various funeral and removal services.
- Supporting local communities and representing our funeral care services as a trusted ambassador.
- Manual handling involved.
- Demonstrating resilience and the ability to work under pressure.
- High levels of empathy and compassion.
- Flexibility to support our on-call service, including evenings, weekends, overnight, and occasional cover for holidays, sickness, and busy periods.
Benefits:
- 31 days of annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing to 36 days after 10 years.
- 20% store discount.
- Share incentive plan.
- Opportunities for skill development through apprenticeships and in-house training programs.
About Us: We’re an independent Co-op operating across southern England, managing convenience stores, funeral homes, crematoria, woodland burial grounds, and a Starbucks franchise. Owned by our members, with over 4,000 colleagues, we aim to serve our communities sustainably and fairly. Join us to be part of a family committed to community service and putting people first.
Additional Information: Successful applicants will need to undergo a DBS check to ensure compliance with NAFD Funeral Director standards. Please apply promptly, as we may close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.
Funeral Service Operative employer: TN United Kingdom
Contact Detail:
TN United Kingdom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Funeral Service Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the funeral service industry. Understanding the basics of end-of-life care and the emotional aspects involved can help you connect better with the team during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your empathy and resilience in conversations. Share personal experiences where you've supported others in difficult times, as this will show your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your flexibility and willingness to work on an on-call basis. Be prepared to discuss how you can manage your time effectively to accommodate the demands of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our company values and community involvement. Showing that you align with our mission to serve communities sustainably will make a positive impression during your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Funeral Service Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Funeral Service Operative position. Understand the responsibilities and requirements, especially the emotional and physical demands of the role.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight any relevant experience or skills that demonstrate your empathy, resilience, and ability to work under pressure. Even if you lack direct funeral industry experience, showcase transferable skills from previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for helping others and your commitment to providing excellent service. Mention why you are interested in this role and how you can contribute to the team.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at TN United Kingdom
✨Show Empathy and Compassion
In this role, you'll be dealing with bereaved families, so it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to empathise. Share any personal experiences or examples where you've shown compassion in difficult situations.
✨Highlight Your Resilience
This job can be emotionally demanding, so be prepared to discuss how you handle stress and maintain your composure under pressure. Think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated challenging circumstances.
✨Discuss Your Flexibility
The role requires flexibility for on-call services, so make sure to express your willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Mention any previous experiences that showcase your adaptability.
✨Prepare Questions About Training and Development
Since the company offers full training, come prepared with questions about the training process and opportunities for career development. This shows your eagerness to learn and grow within the role.